The Pit Light Installation Commission

New Mexico Arts Art in Public Places (AIPP) program and the Local Selection Committee at the University of New Mexico (UNM) seek an artist or artist team to create a permanent light installation within the stair tower at The Pit on the university's south campus. The artwork will enliven the building through a dynamic nighttime installation programmed to convey the excitement of activities held at the facility. New Mexico Arts requests qualifications from an artist or artist team specializing in lighting design, multimedia and/or video installation that demonstrate a level of experience and professionalism commensurate with the project scope and budget. Up to five finalists will be selected to develop a site-specific proposal, from which one artist or artist team will be awarded the project.

The stair tower is located within University Arena (The Pit), home of UNM men's and women's basketball. The structure is clad with frosted Starphire® glass and measures 19' wide, 69' long and 52' high, with an approximate total surface area of 9,000 square feet. The stair tower is viewable from both the interior and exterior of the facility and will have significant presence within the city, viewable from downtown Albuquerque. An all-inclusive budget of $200,000 has been reserved for the project, covering design development, design documents, materials, labor, permitting fees, insurance, taxes, travel expenses, identification plaque(s), and professional documentation.

Eligible applicants are professional visual artists at least 18 years of age permanently residing and legally qualified to work in the United States, with proven experience in lighting design, multimedia and video installation. Employees of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and University of New Mexico are not eligible. Proposed artwork must be durable, low maintenance, permanent, suitable for interior and/or exterior display, safe for both children and adults, and ADA compliant. Applicants should submit 10-20 images of their work. The application deadline is January 31, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. MST.